New sales and new jobs for Shropshire precision component specialist - Feb 2016

Investment in new processes and the latest machinery is reaping dividends for a Shropshire manufacturer after it announced a 20% rise in sales.

Advanced Chemical Etching (A.C.E.), which offers precision metal components, prototyping and low volume products, has used its additional capacity to win a string of domestic and international orders from clients involved in the aerospace and medical sectors.

Turnover increased to £4.2m in 2015 whilst 12 new jobs have been created as a result, with the potential for more to follow over the next six months.

The growth has been largely attributed to the company’s ability to provide solutions to complex etching issues, including the introduction of titanium and aluminium molecular etching to meet demand for lighter parts.

“Doubling the size of our factory to 20,000 sq ft in 2013 is now starting to pay off,” explained Chris Ball, Director.

“The extra space has given us the platform to introduce new state-of-the-art etching machines and dedicated production cells. It has also paved the way for new appointments in our sales team, with the arrival of experienced professionals Craig Dubberley and Steve Gaston.”

He continued: “All of this has contributed to us increasing sales from £3.5m to £4.2m in 2015 and we are looking to push on even further by hitting £5m over the next twelve months…the first time ever in our 16-year history.

“A lot of our work is in precision engineering, aerospace, electronics medical and F1, where tolerances are exacting, components are complex and parts are increasingly lighter. We relish the challenge.”

A.C.E.’s scope of activities is far and wide and can include anything from safety critical components for aircraft and cars to meshes, electronic connectors and even frames for designer glasses.

In recent years, it has started to grow its medical business using its titanium etching facility to manufacture medical implants and bionic components for patients all over the world.

All parts are developed and manufactured at its main site in Telford or at the company’s dedicated sister business, ACE Forming Limited, in Kingswinford.